In this series we'll look at several aspects of creating a 6-7 song EP. In Part 4, we'll look at what goes into filling out the arrangement and orchestration for one of the songs on the EP. With very little input from the group on this track, I built out a thick orchestration. Check it out!

In this series we'll look at several aspects of creating a 6-7 song EP. In Part 4, we'll look at what goes into filling out the arrangement and orchestration for one of the songs on the EP. With very little input from the group on this track, I built out a thick orchestration. Check it out!Read More…

In this tutorial we're going to look at six different ways to adapt four-part harmony to a string orchestra.
Four-part harmony is a traditional way of harmonizing a melody for four "voices" (either literal human voices, or instruments). Many introductory harmony courses teach four-part writing because it is a straightforward method for learning chord voicing, good part motion, and proper treatment of dissonances.

In this tutorial we're going to look at six different ways to adapt four-part harmony to a string orchestra.
Four-part harmony is a traditional way of harmonizing a melody for four "voices" (either literal human voices, or instruments). Many introductory harmony courses teach four-part writing because it is a straightforward method for learning chord voicing, good part motion, and proper treatment of dissonances.Read More…

This is the second in a series of articles that aim to get you started on the road to playing your favourite music by ear.
Back in Part 1, we looked at why learning music by ear is a worthwhile exercise, and I sent you away with some active listening techniques and an example song to get you started. Hopefully you've had long enough since then to digest the song, so in this part we'll take a look at how to deconstruct a piece of music and begin to discover what's going on!

This is the second in a series of articles that aim to get you started on the road to playing your favourite music by ear.
Back in Part 1, we looked at why learning music by ear is a worthwhile exercise, and I sent you away with some active listening techniques and an example song to get you started. Hopefully you've had long enough since then to digest the song, so in this part we'll take a look at how to deconstruct a piece of music and begin to discover what's going on!Read More…

Twice a month we revisit some of our reader favorite posts from throughout the history of Audiotuts+. This tutorial was first published in March 2010.
Even the best track can be let down by bad arrangement. Let things slide in this area and you're in danger of losing your listeners' interest. Often getting things right in this area is down to lots of small touches. It really is all in the detail.

Twice a month we revisit some of our reader favorite posts from throughout the history of Audiotuts+. This tutorial was first published in March 2010.
Even the best track can be let down by bad arrangement. Let things slide in this area and you're in danger of losing your listeners' interest. Often getting things right in this area is down to lots of small touches. It really is all in the detail.Read More…

A budding guitarist – or even a relatively, uhm, budded one – could very easily and quite understandably get the idea that the ability to learn music by ear is some rare ability, bestowed only on those with uncommon talent, deep theoretical knowledge, years of experience, or some combination of the three.

A budding guitarist – or even a relatively, uhm, budded one – could very easily and quite understandably get the idea that the ability to learn music by ear is some rare ability, bestowed only on those with uncommon talent, deep theoretical knowledge, years of experience, or some combination of the three.Read More…

One of the most challenging aspects of arrangement to a beginner (and even some more experienced producers) is changing the tracks energy level. So you may find that moving from a busy section of your track to something a little more chilled present some stumbling blocks.

One of the most challenging aspects of arrangement to a beginner (and even some more experienced producers) is changing the tracks energy level. So you may find that moving from a busy section of your track to something a little more chilled present some stumbling blocks. Read More…

If any of you follow my tutorials then you'll know I have started a few different series dealing with key subjects. In this series I'm taking a look at various aspects or arrangement using modern DAWs.

If any of you follow my tutorials then you'll know I have started a few different series dealing with key subjects. In this series I'm taking a look at various aspects or arrangement using modern DAWs. Read More…

Unless you frequently experiment with a wide variety of musical styles and genres, it can be easy to fall into musical habits or patterns that prevent your songs from sounding fresh - or worse - can cause many of your songs to sound the same. Overuse of simple on-beat or off-beat basslines is one way that artists might falter in crafting a more compelling or unique song. With this tutorial, I'd like to offer some suggestions and inspirations for introducing new variety and flavor into your basslines. By experimenting with a variety of styles and approaches, you can breathe new life into old tunes, as well as create new tunes built from exciting new foundations.

Unless you frequently experiment with a wide variety of musical styles and genres, it can be easy to fall into musical habits or patterns that prevent your songs from sounding fresh - or worse - can cause many of your songs to sound the same. Overuse of simple on-beat or off-beat basslines is one way that artists might falter in crafting a more compelling or unique song. With this tutorial, I'd like to offer some suggestions and inspirations for introducing new variety and flavor into your basslines. By experimenting with a variety of styles and approaches, you can breathe new life into old tunes, as well as create new tunes built from exciting new foundations.Read More…

As great as pretty harmonies and soaring melodies can be, sometimes you need a much more raw and chaotic effect. If you're scoring a chase scene you might want to have quick sharp stabs at unexpected and random times. Or perhaps you're working on a free jazz album and want to give every player complete freedom to blurt out whatever musical idea comes into their head.

As great as pretty harmonies and soaring melodies can be, sometimes you need a much more raw and chaotic effect. If you're scoring a chase scene you might want to have quick sharp stabs at unexpected and random times. Or perhaps you're working on a free jazz album and want to give every player complete freedom to blurt out whatever musical idea comes into their head.Read More…